Senate Approval of Bill to Name I-290 Bridge for Trooper Kevin Dobson

ALBANY, N.Y. – Senator Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, announced the Senate has approved legislation (S.5441B) to designate the Interstate-290 bridge that crosses N.Y. State Route 425 as the “New York State Trooper Kevin P. Dobson, Sr. Memorial Bridge”. Senator Kennedy introduced the legislation earlier this year to recognize the life, service and sacrifices of Trooper Kevin Dobson, who was killed in the line of duty while working to keep our roads safe.

Trooper Dobson was struck and killed by a vehicle on I-290, near the Colvin Boulevard ramp, during a traffic stop in March 2011. Once the bill is signed into law, it will make the official designation and ensure adequate signage is installed to mark the bridge as the New York State Trooper Kevin P. Dobson, Sr. Memorial Bridge.

“Trooper Kevin Dobson was faithfully committed to his duty to protect and serve our community. He went above and beyond, always working hard to keep our roads and neighborhoods safe,” said Senator Kennedy. “In the days and months since his life was tragically taken in the line of duty, our community has sought ways to commemorate his service and sacrifices. The designation of the ‘New York State Trooper Kevin P. Dobson, Sr. Memorial Bridge’ will serve as a reminder for all Western New Yorkers that our highways were made safe by Trooper Dobson and his brothers and sisters in uniform. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Trooper Dobson’s family and friends, and we thank all those who have dedicated their lives to law enforcement.”

Trooper Dobson’s father Dick Dobson said, “On behalf of the entire Dobson family, we’re honored that this step is being taken to honor my son Kevin’s name. My boy was dedicated to making the highways of New York State safer for motorists, bicyclists and all who travel our roads. We know that Kevin’s death was not in vain, and we miss him dearly. We want to thank Senator Kennedy and the entire Western New York Delegation for their efforts in moving this bill forward.”

Trooper Kevin Dobson, a 13-year veteran of the State Police force, is remembered as a loving father and dedicated officer whose commitment to public safety always remained unwavering. The memorial bridge will compliment the State Police’s efforts to commemorate Trooper Dobson with the new monument at the Clarence barracks.

The legislation, sponsored by Senator Kennedy, was also cosponsored by WNY Senators Gallivan, Grisanti and Ranzenhofer.

“This was a collective, Western New York effort to move this bill through the Senate, and I’m hopeful the Assembly will move quickly to pass this legislation as well,” Kennedy added.

The I-290 bridge to be named for Trooper Dobson crosses the Twin Cities Highway, near the Colvin Boulevard ramp.

The bill now goes to the Assembly for consideration, before it can head to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Senator Kennedy took to the Senate floor to discuss the legislation and commemorate the life and contributions of Trooper Dobson.

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